Quick Search

PRODUCTS

E401 (Sodium alginate)


CAS NO: 9005-38-3
EC NUMBER: 618-415-6

E401 (Sodium alginate) is the sodium form of alginate. 
Alginate is a linear, anionic polysaccharide consisting of two form of 1, 4-linked hexuronic acid residues, β-d-mannuronopyranosyl (M) and α-l- guluronopyranosyl (G) residues. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) can be arranged in the form of blocks of repeating M residues (MM blocks), blocks of repeating G residues (GG blocks), and blocks of mixed M and G residues (MG blocks). 


Commercially available alginate currently originates from algae. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has wide applications. 
For example, one of its most important role is being used as wound dressing materials for the treatment of acute or chronic wounds. 
The use of E401 (Sodium alginate) crosslinking to make hydrogels for cell encapsulation is also quite valuable. 
The emergence of various kinds of its derivatives recently has further extended its application.

Chemical Properties    
Colorless or slightly yellow solid occur- ring in filamentous, granular, and powdered forms. 
Forms a viscous colloidal solution with water; insoluble in alcohol, ether, and chloroform. Com- bustible.
E401 (Sodium alginate) occurs as an odorless and tasteless, white to pale yellowish-brown colored powder.

History    
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a natural polysaccharide product that was first described in a patent application by the British chemist Edward C C Stanford in 1881.
To this day brown algae are still the main source used to extract E401 (Sodium alginate) from. 
This group includes many of the seaweeds, like kelps, found in chilly northern seas.
In addition to the food industry, the gelling properties of E401 (Sodium alginate) have been used in medical, dental and cosmetic applications for years.

Uses    
E401 (Sodium alginate) can be used as a flavorless gum. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is used by the foods industry to increase viscosity and as an emulsifier. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is also used in indigestion tablets and the preparation of dental impressions.
E401 (Sodium alginate) (E401 (Sodium alginate) ) and its modified forms have been widely used as membranes in pervaporation (PV) separation of aqueous‐organic solutions because of the hydrophilic nature and versatility to modify/tune their structures to achieve the desired separation.
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a polymer which can be extracted from brown seaweed and kelps. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is one of the structural polymers that help to build the cell walls of these plants. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has some unusual properties and a wide variety of uses.

When E401 (Sodium alginate) is put into a solution of calcium ions, the calcium ions replace the sodium ions in the polymer. 
Each calcium ion can attach to two of the polymer strands

In the manufacture of ice cream where it serves as a stabilizing colloid, insuring creamy texture and preventing the growth of ice crystals. 
In drilling muds; in coatings; in the flocculation of solids in water treatment; as sizing agent; thickener; emulsion stabilizer; suspending agent in soft drinks; in dental impression preparations. Pharmaceutic aid (suspending agent).

E401 (Sodium alginate) is used as a thickening agent in cosmetic preparations. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) may be used as microcapsules and is obtained from marine extracts.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is a gum obtained as a sodium salt of alginic acid, which is obtained from seaweed. it is coldand hot-water soluble, producing a range of viscosities. it forms irreversible gels with cal- cium salts or acids. it functions as a thickener, binder, and gelling agent in dessert gels, puddings, sauces, toppings, and edible films.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is a gum derived from alginic acid that is used to provide thickening, gelling, and binding


E401 (Sodium alginate) is the sodium salt form of alginic acid and gum mainly extracted from the cell walls of brown algae, with chelating activity. 
Upon oral administration, E401 (Sodium alginate) binds to and blocks the intestinal absorption of various radioactive isotopes, such as radium Ra 226 (Ra-226) and strontium Sr 90 (Sr-90).

Physical Description
Nearly odourless, white to yellowish fibrous or granular powder


Use and Manufacturing

In brewing industry as auxiliary fining agent; foam stabilizer

In drilling muds; in coatings; in flocculation of solids in water treatment; as sizing agent; thickener; emulsion stabilizer; suspending agent in soft drinks; dental impression prepn; pharmaceutic aid (suspending agent). In the manufacture of ice cream where it serves as a stabilizing colloid.

In boiler compound; experimental ocean-floor covering; cement compositions; paper coating; water-base paints

In mayonnaise, salad dressing

For more Uses (Complete) data for ALGIN (14 total), please visit the HSDB record page.


Methods of Manufacturing
Harvesting of various species of brown algae (phaeophyceae) followed by processing to form alginic acid, which is reacted with sodium hydroxide

All present methods ... based on ... macerating laminaria ... 24 hr with 10% sodium carbonate, which ... disintegrated plants to ... semigelatinous mass; then filtering, and treating with sulfuric or hydrochloric acid to ppt alginic acid. After filtering and washing ... sold as alginic acid or converted to Na alginate.

Various brown seaweed species are used as raw materials ... . Salt ... and other impurities ... are removed by washing. Extraction of the material with cold or hot soda follows, combined with a mechanical disintegration. ... After dilution with water, the slurry separates into a liquid phase (E401 (Sodium alginate)) and a solid phase ... .


Pharmaceutical Applications    

E401 (Sodium alginate) is used in a variety of oral and topical pharmaceutical formulations. 
In tablet formulations, E401 (Sodium alginate) may be used as both a binder and disintegrant; it has been used as a diluent in capsule formulations. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has also been used in the preparation of sustained-release oral formulations since it can delay the dissolution of a drug from tablets, capsules, and aqueous suspensions. 
The effects of particle size, viscosity and chemical composition of E401 (Sodium alginate) on drug release from matrix tablets have been described.
In topical formulations, E401 (Sodium alginate) is widely used as a thickening and suspending agent in a variety of pastes, creams, and gels, and as a stabilizing agent for oil-in-water emulsions.
Recently, E401 (Sodium alginate) has been used for the aqueous microencapsulation of drugs, in contrast with the more conventional microencapsulation techniques which use organicsolvent systems. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has also been used in the formation of nanoparticles.
The adhesiveness of hydrogels prepared from E401 (Sodium alginate) has been investigated, and drug release from oral mucosal adhesive tablets, buccal gels, and vaginal tablets based on E401 (Sodium alginate) have been reported. 
The esophageal bioadhesion of E401 (Sodium alginate) suspensions may provide a barrier against gastric reflux or site-specific delivery of therapeutic agents. 
Other novel delivery systems containing E401 (Sodium alginate) include ophthalmic solutions that form a gel in situ when administered to the eye; an in situ forming gel containing paracetamol for oral administration; nasal delivery systems based on mucoadhesive microspheres; and a freeze-dried device intended for the delivery of bone-growth factors.
Hydrogel systems containing alginates have also been investigated for delivery of proteins and peptides. 
In addition, E401 (Sodium alginate) microspheres have been used in the preparation of a footmouth disease DNA vaccine, and in an oral vaccine for Helicobacter pylori; chitosan nanoparticles coated with E401 (Sodium alginate) may have applications in mucosal vaccine delivery systems.
Therapeutically, E401 (Sodium alginate) has been used in combination with an H2-receptor antagonist in the management of gastroesophageal reflux, and as a hemostatic agent in surgical dressings. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) dressings, used to treat exuding wounds, often contain significant amounts of E401 (Sodium alginate) as this improves the gelling properties. 
Sponges composed of E401 (Sodium alginate) and chitosan produce a sustained drug release and may be useful as wound dressings or as tissue engineering matrices. 
Lyophilized wound healing wafers composed of E401 (Sodium alginate) have been found to exhibit large reductions in viscosity following gamma irradiation.
E401 (Sodium alginate) is also used in cosmetics and food products.

STORAGE
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a hygroscopic material, although it is stable if stored at low relative humidities and a cool temperature.
Aqueous solutions of E401 (Sodium alginate) are most stable at pH 4–10. Below pH 3, alginic acid is precipitated. 
A 1% w/v aqueous solution of E401 (Sodium alginate) exposed to differing temperatures had a viscosity 60–80% of its original value after storage for 2 years.) Solutions should not be stored in metal containers.
E401 (Sodium alginate) solutions are susceptible on storage to microbial spoilage, which may affect solution viscosity. 
Solutions are ideally sterilized using ethylene oxide, although filtration using a 0.45 mm filter also has only a slight adverse effect on solution viscosity.
Heating E401 (Sodium alginate) solutions to temperatures above 70°C causes depolymerization with a subsequent loss of viscosity. 
Autoclaving of solutions can cause a decrease in viscosity, which may vary depending upon the nature of any other substances present. 
Gamma irradiation should not be used to sterilize E401 (Sodium alginate) solutions since this process severely reduces solution viscosity.
Preparations for external use may be preserved by the addition of 0.1% chlorocresol, 0.1% chloroxylenol, or parabens. 
If the medium is acidic, benzoic acid may also be used.
The bulk material should be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.

Purification Methods    
Free it from heavy metal impurities by treatment with ion-exchange resins (Na+-form), or with a dilute solution of the sodium salt of EDTA. 
Alternatively dissolve it in 0.1M NaCl, centrifuge and fractionally precipitate it by gradual addition of EtOH or 4M NaCl. The resulting gels are centrifuged off, washed with aqueous EtOH or acetone, and dried under vacuum. 
[Büchner et al. J Chem Soc 3974 1961.] Sodium n-alkylsulfates. 
Recrystallise these salts from EtOH/Me2CO [Hashimoto & Thomas J Am Chem Soc 107 4655 1985].


E401 (Sodium alginate) is the sodium salt form of alginic acid and gum mainly extracted from the cell walls of brown algae, with chelating activity. Upon oral administration, E401 (Sodium alginate) binds to and blocks the intestinal absorption of various radioactive isotopes, such as radium Ra 226 (Ra-226) and strontium Sr 90 (Sr-90).
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a kind of polysaccharide extracted from kelp-like Phaeophyceae; formed by α-L-Mannuronic acid (M section) and β-D-Guluronic acid (G section) connected through 1, 4-glucosidic bond. It's shown white or light yellow powder, odorless and tasteless. 

Thickening: E401 (Sodium alginate) could be easily dissolved in water and form the solution with high viscosity. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is widely be used as a thickening agent in food ,daily chemical and other industries.

Gelling: when the E401 (Sodium alginate) meet with calcium ion exchange action takes place rapidly to form gel, and the gel is anti-reversibility. the high G alginate gel is crispness but much rigider, while the high M alginate gel has the opposite property, flexibler with the less rigidity. different strengths of gel made by different proportions. 
with different gel, alginate can be used for difference of imitated food, medical materials, face masks, water treatment agents, clingfilm etc.
Alginates are refined from brown seaweeds. Throughout the world, many of the Phaeophyceae class brown seaweeds are harvested to be processed and converted into E401 (Sodium alginate). 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is used in many industries including food, animal food, fertilisers, textile printing, and pharmaceuticals.
Dental impression material uses alginate as its means of gelling. Food grade alginate an approved ingredient in process and manufactured foods.
E401 (Sodium alginate) (NaC6H7O6) is the sodium salt of alginic acid. E401 (Sodium alginate) is a gum.Calcium alginate (C12H14CaO12 ), is made from E401 (Sodium alginate) from which the sodium ion has been removed and replaced with calcium.

The manufacturing process used to extract E401 (Sodium alginate) s from brown seaweed fall into two categories: 
1) Calcium alginate method and, 
2) Alginic acid method.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is used as an ingredient in various pharmaceutical preparations, such as Gaviscon, in which it combines with bicarbonate to inhibit reflux. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is used as an impression-making material in dentistry, prosthetics, lifecasting, and for creating positives for small-scale casting.
E401 (Sodium alginate) is used in reactive dye printing and as a thickener for reactive dyes in textile screen-printing.
E401 (Sodium alginate)s do not react with these dyes and wash out easily, unlike starch-based thickeners.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is the sodium salt of alginic acid.
To a 0.5% solution of the sample in sodium hydroxide TS add one-fifth of its volume of a 2.5% solution of calcium chloride. 
A voluminous, gelatinous precipitate is formed. 
This test distinguishes E401 (Sodium alginate) from gum arabic, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, gelatin, gum ghatti, karaya gum, carob bean gum, methyl cellulose and tragacanth gum.
To a 0.5% solution of the sample in sodium hydroxide TS add one-half of its volume of a saturated solution of ammonium sulfate. 
No precipitate is formed. This test distinguishes E401 (Sodium alginate) from agar, sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, carrageenan, de-esterified pectin, gelatin, carob bean gum, methyl cellulose and starch.
Proceed as directed under Carbon Dioxide Determination by Decarboxylation in the General Methods. 
Each ml of 0.25 N sodium hydroxide consumed is equivalent to 5.5 mg of carbon dioxide (CO2) or 27.75 mg of E401 (Sodium alginate) .
E401 (Sodium alginate) is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide found in brown algae.
E401 (Sodium alginate) may undergo cross-linking in the presence of divalent cations such as Ca2+ to form biodegradable stable gels, which finds applications as a material for cell encapsulation and immobilization.
E401 (Sodium alginate) (NaC6H7O6) is a linear polysaccharide derivative of alginic acid comprised of 1,4-β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic (G) acids. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a cell wall component of marine brown algae, and contains approximately 30 to 60% alginic acid. 
The conversion of alginic acid to E401 (Sodium alginate) allows its solubility in water, which assists its extraction.
When monovalent ions (eg, sodium in E401 (Sodium alginate)) are exchanged for divalent ions (especially calcium), the reaction proceeds almost immediately, changing from a low viscosity solution to a gel structure.
Anionic thickeners such as E401 (Sodium alginate) cannot be used in this case; thickeners like gum tragacanth or modified guar gum can be used instead.
Interpenetrating polymer composite of E401 (Sodium alginate) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) were assembled by electrostatic interaction to cast film on gold electrode.
Variables associated with production of alginate/hydrolysed chitosan fibres included E401 (Sodium alginate) type, method of alginic acid fibre production and hydrolysed chitosan type and concentration.

The best two sets of fibres produced during the course of these investigations (in terms of maximising chitosan incorporation but retaining good physical properties) were from either E401 (Sodium alginate) A1 (6%), using a hydrochloric acid (0.2M) coagulation bath, a draw ratio of 1.18, and subsequent treatment of the produced alginate fibres with hydrolysed chitosan C3 (3.9%), or from E401 (Sodium alginate) A3 (4%), a hydrochloric acid (0.5M) coagulation bath, a draw ratio of 1.18, and subsequent treatment of the produced alginate fibres with hydrolysed chitosan C3 (3%).

For immobilization in calcium alginate, a concentrated cells suspension was mixed with a solution of E401 (Sodium alginate) (8 % w/v) and spherical beads were produced by dropping the mixture into a 20 g/L calcium chloride solution through a needle 0.5 mm diameter.

The molecular weight of commercial E401 (Sodium alginate) s is 32,000-400,000 g/mol [30].E401 (Sodium alginate) film containing nisin, lysozyme, EDTA and GFSE inhibited Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria E401 (Sodium alginate) is a natural hydrophilic polysaccharide derived isolated from marine brown algae. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has been widely investigated in the field of drug delivery due to its biocompatible and biodegradable nature.
Variables associated with production of alginate/chitosan fibres included E401 (Sodium alginate) type, method of alginic acid fibre production and chitosan type and concentration.
Carrageenan can be used as edible protective coatings for extending the shelf-life of poultry.
Alginic acid/E401 (Sodium alginate) (A1-3) fibres were analysed separately (i.e. without chitosan treatment) as controls to provide a base for comparison of composition and properties (as detailed in Table 5). 
Chitosan/alginate fibres produced from alginate A1 had significantly better physical properties than those fibres produced from both A2 and A3.
The best fibres (in terms of physicochemical properties) were produced using E401 (Sodium alginate) A1 (6%), a hydrochloric acid (0.2M) coagulation bath, a draw ratio of 1.18, and subsequent treatment of the produced fibres with chitosan C1 (3.2%). 
Chitosan C1 had the lowest number average (Mn) and weight average (Mw) molecular weights and may be better able to penetrate the base alginate fibres.
Calcium alginate spheres were prepared by dripping 3.0 % w/v E401 (Sodium alginate) solution into a stirred 0.05 M calcium nitrate solution at room temperature20. 
As soon as the E401 (Sodium alginate) sol came into contact with the calcium solution, spherical gel particles were formed.
An appropiate amount of resin was aggregated to the E401 (Sodium alginate) solution and, then, the mixture was pumped into the calcium solution.
The total cationic exchange capacity of E401 (Sodium alginate) Qa was evaluated as 3.93 mol/kg dry E401 (Sodium alginate) by acid-base titration, so that the concentration of avaible carboxilic groups was estimated.
E401 (Sodium alginate) , also called as Algin, is a kind of white or light yellow granular or powder, almost odorless and tasteless.


E401 (Sodium alginate) (NaC6H7O6) is a linear polysaccharide derivative of alginic acid comprised of 1,4-β-d-mannuronic (M) and α-l-guluronic (G) acids. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a cell wall component of marine brown algae and contains approximately 30 to 60% alginic acid. 
The conversion of alginic acid to E401 (Sodium alginate) allows its solubility in water, which assists its extraction. 
Bacterial alginates are synthesized by only two bacterial genera, Pseudomonas and Azotobacter, and is used for protection from the environment and the synthesis of biofilms in order to adhere to surfaces. 
This method of synthesis allows the bacteria to produce alginates with a well-defined monomer composition, which may allow the production of “tailor-made” bacterial alginates 

The biggest advantage of alginates is their liquid–gel behavior in aqueous solutions. 
When monovalent ions (eg, sodium in E401 (Sodium alginate)) are exchanged for divalent ions (especially calcium), the reaction proceeds almost immediately, changing from a low viscosity solution to a gel structure. 
The gelled mass is a copolymer composed of two kinds of monomer units.

Alginic acid is used as a hydrocolloid in various applications such as food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and in textiles and cosmetics, particularly as an emulsifier, and is also used in dentistry to make molds.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is one of the best-known members of the hydrogel group. 
The hydrogel is a water-swollen, and cross-linked polymeric network produced by the simple reaction of one or more monomer. 
The ability of hydrogels to absorb water arises from hydrophilic functional groups attached to the polymeric backbone, while their resistance to dissolution arises from cross-links between network chains.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is a naturally occurring anionic polymer typically obtained from brown seaweed, it consists of mannuronic (M) and guluronic (G) acids arranged in different combinations such as blocks rich in either M or G units, or blocks of alternating G and M units . 
In the presence of divalent Ca2+ cations, the guluronic acids from nearby chains form ionic crosslinks resulting in alginate hydrogel. 
The ratio of M and G units defines the physicochemical properties of the hydrogel.

Applications of E401 (Sodium alginate)
Alginate is used in many foods and biomedical applications, due to its biocompatibility, low toxicity, relatively low cost, and mild gelation. 
In the food industry, alginate is used as a thickening agent, gelling agent, emulsifier, stabilizer, texture-improver. 
Nowadays, alginate is added to numerous kinds of food, such as ice cream, jelly, acid milk drinks, dressings, instant noodles, beer, etc. 
Alginic acid is used in pharmaceutical applications, it is added into tablets as a carrier to accelerate tablet disintegration for a faster release of the medicinal component, in cosmetics due to its functionality as a thickener and moisture retainer. 
For example, alginate helps retain the color of lipstick on the lip surface by forming a gel-network.

Alginate-based hydrogels are highly promising candidates for use as drug delivery systems and as biomedical implants as they are structurally similar to the macromolecular-based components in the body, and can often be delivered into the body via minimally invasive administration. 
Alginate is an excellent candidate for delivery of protein drugs, since proteins can be incorporated into alginate-based formulations under relatively mild conditions that minimize their denaturation, and the gels can protect them from degradation until their release.

E401 (Sodium alginate) gels are increasingly being utilized as a model system for mammalian cell culture in biomedical studies. 
These gels can be readily adapted to serve as either 2-D or more physiologically relevant 3-D culture systems. 
The lack of mammalian cell receptors for alginate, combined with the low protein adsorption to alginate gels allows these materials to serve in many ways as an ideal blank slate, upon which highly specific and quantitative modes for cell adhesion can be incorporated. Further, basic findings uncovered with in vitro studies can be readily translated in vivo, due to the biocompatibility and easy introduction of alginate into the body.

E401 (Sodium alginate) gelation process
Alginate hydrogels can be prepared by various cross-linking methods, and their structural similarity to extracellular matrices of living tissues allows wide applications. The most common method to prepare hydrogels from an aqueous alginate solution is to combine the solution with ionic cross-linking agents, such as divalent cations (i.e., Ca2+).

Calcium chloride (CaCl2) is one of the most frequently used agents to ionically cross-link alginate. 

However, it typically leads to rapid and poorly controlled gelation due to its high solubility in aqueous solutions. 
One approach to slow and control gelation is to utilize a buffer containing phosphate (e.g., sodium hexametaphosphate), as phosphate groups in the buffer compete with carboxylate groups of alginate in the reaction with calcium ions, and delay gelation. 
Calcium sulfate (CaSO4) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3), due to their lower solubilities, can also slow the gelation rate and widen the working time for alginate gels. 
The gelation rate is a critical factor in controlling gel uniformity and strength when using divalent cations, and slower gelation produces more uniform structures and greater mechanical integrity. 

Finally, thermo-sensitive hydrogels have been widely investigated to date in many drug delivery applications, due to their adjustable swelling properties in response to temperature changes, leading to on-demand modulation of drug release from the gels.


Alginate microparticles
E401 (Sodium alginate)-based particles have emerged as one of the most searched drug delivery platforms due to their inherent properties, including good biocompatibility and biodegradability for improved delivery, stabilization, and prolonged release of encapsulated drugs. 
They are also extensively used for the encapsulation of living cells in pharmaceutical research, tissue engineering, and regenerative medicine. 
Such microgels act as micrometer-sized 3D culturing units, allowing individual cells to be independently monitored or manipulated, for example, to study the role of confinement on cell fate or to deliver cells for the repair of damaged tissue.

E401 (Sodium alginate) microparticles were produced using the microfluidic technique.

There have been a lot of methods utilized in the literature to produce E401 (Sodium alginate) microparticles. 
The most widely applied methods are Simple dripping, Electrostatic potential, Vibrating nozzle, Jet cutting, Spinning disk, Spinning nozzle, Spray nozzle, Emulsification, and Microfluidics. 
While other systems can produce higher amounts of particles, microfluidic systems enable precise control of the microgel droplet size and allow the production of monodisperse microgels with a defined size distribution for the encapsulation of biomaterials in the field of molecular biology, pharmaceutical, health, food, and cosmetics.

Indeed, much effort has been dedicated to producing different types of alginate hydrogel droplets and microparticles. 
For example, Huang et al., showed alginate droplet production using T-junction geometry but the resultant bimodal distribution required an additional step of separation.
Capretto et al., generated alginate droplets on-chip while inducing an “external gelation” process in bulk. 
Others have employed capillary devices to produce alginate-based double emulsions, Janus particles, and hydrogel beads carrying encapsulated cells.


A lot of research has been performed on the controlled gelation of microparticles using calcium carbonate (CaCO3) nanoparticles.

Here, the water-insoluble particles are dispersed in the alginate solution and can be dissolved under acidic conditions after drop formation. 
Premature gelation is avoided and monodisperse particles result. 
However, the dissolution of solid calcium salt particles causes a heterogeneous distribution of calcium ions inside the droplets and diminishes the homogeneity of the resulting particles. 

Additionally, the clogging of small microfluidic channels in the presence of particle aggregates limits the range of accessible microgel dimensions. 
Other techniques involve the initiation of the crosslinking process by the delivery of calcium chlorides or acetate particles through the oil phase which is subsequently dissolved in the E401 (Sodium alginate) emulsion droplet and releases Ca ions that initiate gelation. 
However, this method can suffer from the same problems, namely inhomogeneous calcium distribution or clogging issues.
Alternatively, the generation of E401 (Sodium alginate) microgels via coalescence of separate droplets containing alginate and calcium chloride has been tried. 
However, mixing inside the coalesced droplets still results in heterogeneous particles since crosslinking takes place before a homogenous distribution of calcium ions can be achieved. 
Additionally, coalescence generally results in a volume increase of the final, cross-linked alginate microgels.


General description
E401 (Sodium alginate) is the sodium salt of alginic acid, a natural polysaccharide found in brown algae. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is generally used as a stabilizer and thickener in the food industry.
E401 (Sodium alginate) may undergo cross-linking in the presence of divalent cations such as Ca2+ to form biodegradable stable gels, which finds applications as a material for cell encapsulation and immobilization.
Application
E401 (Sodium alginate) can be used to prepare:
Cationized casein-based polyelectrolyte complex for fragrance-controlled release applications.
Apple aroma microcapsules for cosmetic applications.

E401 (Sodium alginate) (E401) is extracted from brown seaweed. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is used as a stabilizer for ice cream, yogurt, cream, and cheese. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) acts as a thickener and emulsifier for salad, pudding, jam, tomato juice, and canned products. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a hydration agent for noodles, bread, cool and frozen products. 
In the presence of calcium and acid mediums, it forms resilient gels. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a cold gelling agent that needs no heat to gel. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is most commonly used with calcium lactate or calcium chloride in the spherification process.


E401 (Sodium alginate) is a extract of seaweed, used by Molecular Chefs for the spherification process. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) forms a gel in the presence of calcium ions. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a gelling agent that dilutes when cold with strong agitation. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) can be used to create soft or firm gels, ambient, heat-resistant gels and can also be used to produce foams. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is also commonly used as a thickener, emulsifier and texture improver.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is an extract of seaweed, used by molecular chefs for the spherification process. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) forms a gel in the presence of calcium ions. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a gelling agent that dilutes when cold with strong agitation. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) can be used to create soft, firm, ambient and heat-resistant gels and to produce foams. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is also commonly used as a thickener, emulsifier and texture improver.

Use in spherification and reverse spherification
Improves texture
Can be used to thicken solutions and liquids
Create soft or firm heat resistant gels


How to use: For spherification use 0.5 - 1% of E401 (Sodium alginate) by weight of liquid. 
To disperse, either add  whilst vigorously stirring the liquid, or mix with another dry ingredient (such as sugar) before adding to the liquid. 
Because the powder starts gelling in the presence of calcium, do not try to use in a high calcium liquid, e.g. milk. 
To make the process easier, use a low-calcium bottled water.
Add the powder to liquid or puree and use a syringe to squeeze droplets into a calcium bath, where they turn into caviar pearls. 
Switch around the two ingredients for reverse spherification (using the E401 (Sodium alginate) for the water bath).


E401 (Sodium alginate) is a natural gelling agent taken from the cell walls of brown algae. 
However, it only gels when it comes in contact with calcium. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) also has many uses other than spherification such as thickening, general gelling, and foaming.
Whether or not you know it, each of us have eaten E401 (Sodium alginate) in many types of commercial foods such as ice cream or the pimento portion of stuffed cocktail olives!

What is E401 (Sodium alginate) Used For?
There are two main ways to use E401 (Sodium alginate) to create spheres. 
The first is direct spherification, where the E401 (Sodium alginate) is blended into a flavorful liquid, which is then added by the spoonful into a calcium lactate or calcium chloride bath. 
The second is reverse spherification, where the calcium is added to the flavorful liquid and then spoonfuls of the liquid are added to a E401 (Sodium alginate) bath.
Cantaloupe melon soup spheres

E401 (Sodium alginate) works best in non-acidic mixtures. 
If you are trying to use it in something acidic you can usually add sodium citrate to alter the pH before adding the E401 (Sodium alginate). 
If you want to gel a thicker substance such as a puree, add water to thin it down until the mixture reaches a better liquid consistancy.

E401 (Sodium alginate) also has many uses other than spherification such as thickening, general gelling, and foaming.

What is E401 (Sodium alginate)?
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a natural polysaccharide product that was first described in a patent application by the British chemist Edward C C Stanford in 1881. 
To this day brown algae are still the main source used to extract E401 (Sodium alginate) from. 
This group includes many of the seaweeds, like kelps, found in chilly northern seas. 
In addition to the food industry, the gelling properties of E401 (Sodium alginate) have been used in medical, dental and cosmetic applications for years.

How Do You Add E401 (Sodium alginate) To a Liquid? 
In general, E401 (Sodium alginate) easily disperses, hydrates, and gels in any temperature of liquid and melts above 266°F (130°C).

However, it is easiest to add the E401 (Sodium alginate) powder little by little to the liquid, while mixing constantly with an immersion blender or whisk. 
If the alginate is not properly dispersed, small lumps will be visible in the solution. 
Try to avoid excessive whisking since the air bubbles can stay trapped in the thickened solution.
In order to prevent these bubbles from complicating the spherification process, you may want to let the preparation settle in the refrigerator for a few hours.

How Much E401 (Sodium alginate) to Use?
The amount of E401 (Sodium alginate) you need to use depends a lot on the application you are using it for.

Amount of E401 (Sodium alginate) for Direct Spherification
For direct spherification a 0.5% to 1% E401 (Sodium alginate) base is used with a 0.5% to 1% calcium lactate setting bath. 
The more E401 (Sodium alginate) initially added to the base the higher the viscosity of the liquid inside the gel sphere.

0.5-1.0% E401 (Sodium alginate) base
0.5-1.0% calcium lactate bath
Amount of E401 (Sodium alginate) for Reverse Spherification
For reverse spherification a 1.0 to 3.0% calcium lactate base is used with a 0.4% to 0.5% E401 (Sodium alginate) bath. 
Note that the E401 (Sodium alginate) has now been added to the bath instead of to the base as in the direct spherification technique.

1.0-3.0% calcium lactate base
0.4-0.5% E401 (Sodium alginate) bath
Note: See How to Measure Modernist Ingredients for more information on ratios.
Direct Spherification Versus Reverse SpherificationTop 
The E401 (Sodium alginate) always gels, so in direct spherification the flavorful liquid gels inwards, while in reverse spherification the setting bath gels outwards from the liquid.

E401 (Sodium alginate) spheres
Reverse spherification is also made easier to master because you can first freeze the liquid in spheres before adding to the setting bath. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is easier to make perfect looking spheres when placing frozen flavored liquid base orbs instead of attempting to pour liquid droplet spheres directly into the setting bath.

Since the gelling process occurs on the outside of the liquid you also run no risk of gelling all the liquid, giving you more time before needing to serve them. 
Spheres created with reverse spherification can also be stored for longer periods of time so they are easier to make ahead of time.


E401 (Sodium alginate) (a food product derived from brown algae or seaweed) is a thickening and gelling agent that forms heat stable gels in the presence of calcium. 
This property allows cooks to make gelled spheres, in a technique known as spherification. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has been used in the food industry for many years for the production of gel-like foods – for example, the pimento stuffing in prepared cocktail olives. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is composed of long strands made up of carbohydrate units – these long stands allow it to act as a very efficient thickening agent at low concentrations (e.g. 1%).
Gels formed from alginates have the amazing ability of withstanding heating to temperatures as high as 150ᵒC without melting, allowing them to be used in hot applications such as broths. 
When alginate is added to a liquid, it will act as a thickener. 
In the presence of calcium ions, a mixture containing alginate will form a gel. 
The calcium ions insert themselves between individual alginate strands and will allow them to interlock and form a gel.


SPHERIFICATION METHODS
There are two main methods for creating such spherification, which differ based on the calcium content in the product to be encapsulated in the gel bubble. 
For substances containing no calcium, a flavoured liquid is mixed with E401 (Sodium alginate), and droplets of this mixture are dropped  into a room temperature solution made up of water and calcium lactate or calcium gluconate (both are less bitter than other forms of calcium). 
‘Reverse’ spherification, is a technique for use with substances which are rich in calcium, in this case additional calcium (if necessary) is blended into a flavoured liquid, and while the E401 (Sodium alginate) is blended into the water. 
Both methods give a similar result: a sphere of liquid held by a thin gel membrane, texturally similar to caviar.

BASIC SPHERIFICATION
Basic spherification is easier & ideal for obtaining spheres with an ultra thin membrane. The spheres are often referred to as caviar.

THE SCIENCE
The flavoured spherification liquid cannot be too high in calcium or acidic (pH level must be above 3.6). A concentration of about 0.5% (approx. 5g to 1tr) E401 (Sodium alginate) is dispersed into the flavoured liquid (this will vary depending on the properties of the liquid being used). 
A concentration of around 1% (approx. 10g to 1ltr) calcium (either gluconate or lactate are advised – due to lack of perceivable bitter taste) is dissolved in water and is called a ‘water bath’.

EQUIPMENT/ INGREDIENTS
E401 (Sodium alginate)
Calcium lactate/gluconate
Hand held immersion blender
Pipette or syringe (for caviar)
Precision scales (preferably 0.01g)
REVERSE SPHERIFICATION

The technique of Reverse Spherification is much more versatile than Basic Spherification as it can make spheres with almost any product. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a simple reversal of basic spherification; the liquids in which the E401 (Sodium alginate) and calcium are dispersed in are reversed (i.e. calcium in the flavoured solution and alginate in the water bath).

This process  can be used to form spheres with liquids which are high in dairy, alcohol or acidity. 
There spheres can be made in advance and served later without compromising texture or flavour as the gelling process stops once the spheres are removed from the E401 (Sodium alginate) bath and ‘rinsed’ in water. 
The spheres will have a thicker membrane which is great for plating, however it does result in an added texture of a solid jelly membrane.

THE SCIENCE
Calcium is added to the flavoured liquid, the quantity will vary depending on the liquid’s natural calcium content, for a successful a total concentration of up to to 2% (approx. 20g to 1ltr) is required.
The alginate ‘water bath’ is made using de-ionised water (so there is no calcium is present for the E401 (Sodium alginate) to start reacting with), and adding a concentration of approximately 0.5% (approx. 5g to 1ltr) of E401 (Sodium alginate) using a hand held immersion blender (aka a stick blender).


E401 (Sodium alginate) is a neutral salt in which the carboxyl groups of alginate are bonded with a sodium ion. 
Alginic acid is not soluble in water but E401 (Sodium alginate) is soluble in both cold and hot water to produce a smooth viscous solution.

When calcium ions are added to a E401 (Sodium alginate) solution, calcium ions react instantly with alginate to form a gel.
The time taken to form a gel can be controlled by controlling the calcium ions.

These unique properties result in E401 (Sodium alginate) being used as a thickener, gelling agent and stabilizer in a wide range of industries.


Industrial Use
E401 (Sodium alginate) is extracted and clarified from natural seaweed. In the industrial area, the major application is textile printing.
The viscosity of the aqueous E401 (Sodium alginate) solution assists the dye penetration of the fabric resulting in a uniform, precise and controllable dyeing process.
E401 (Sodium alginate), which is soluble in cold water, has an excellent position in the textile printing field because it has good desizing after dyeing, and its high biodegradability reduces the load on wastewater treatment systems.
Also, E401 (Sodium alginate) is used in a wide range of fields, such as paper sizing agents, binders for welding rods, and gelling agents for pet foods.

Fine Chemical Applications
Highly purified E401 (Sodium alginate) is used for fine chemical applications such as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics. Research using E401 (Sodium alginate) is being conducted in regenerative medicinal fields and many interesting research results are being released.

Functional Material Applications
E401 (Sodium alginate) is natural dietary fiber. Appropriate intake of E401 (Sodium alginate) improves bowel movements.
Low molecular weight E401 (Sodium alginate) has also been used as a food for specific health uses, such as the effective excretion of cholesterol from the body.


E401 (Sodium alginate)s are used to produce heat-stable gels and to generate viscosity in a variety of fabricated foods, heat-stable fruit fillings, and cheese sauces.
E401 (Sodium alginate)  is also used as a stabilizer, thickener and emulsifier for food products such as ice cream, yogurt, cream, and cheese. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) acts as a thickener and emulsifier for salad, pudding, jam, tomato juice, and canned products. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a hydration agent for noodles, bread, cool and frozen products. 
E401 (Sodium alginate)  is a cold gelling agent that needs no heat to gel. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is most commonly used with calcium lactate or calcium chloride in the spherification process.


Calcium alginate is used in different types of medical products, including skin wound dressings to promote healing, and may be removed with less pain than conventional dressings.
E401 (Sodium alginate) is one of the structural polymers that help to build the cell walls of these plants. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) has some unusual properties and a wide variety of uses.
Alginate absorbs water quickly, which makes it useful as an additive in dehydrated products such as slimming aids, and in the manufacture of paper and textiles. 

E401 (Sodium alginate)  reduces appetite and glycemia, when consumed in water- and sugar-based drinks. 
But, E401 (Sodium alginate)s effects when added to other commonly consumed beverages have not been reported. 
Because chocolate milk (CM) is criticized for raising blood glucose more than unflavored milk, the aim of our study was to investigate the effect of adding a strong-gelling E401 (Sodium alginate) to CM on glycemia, insulinemia, appetite and food intake.

Properties
E401 (Sodium alginate)s are soluble in both hot and cold water and are available in a variety of viscosity ranges with various gelling properties. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) solutions are converted, in the presence of calcium ions (calcium chloride or other soluble calcium salt), to Calcium Alginate, the heat-stable gelled form.


What products use alginate? 
Alginate is used to keep ingredients in foods from separating from each other (i.e., E401 (Sodium alginate) is used as an emulsifier or stabilizer) and to create a tasty, smooth texture from "creamy foods" to "gelled foods". 
For example, alginate is commonly found in ice creams, salad dressings, fruit juices, and yogurt. 
Alginate is also used as an emulsifier or gelling agent in the manufacture of papers, textiles, pet foods, and pharmaceuticals. 
Alginate touches nearly every person's life, nearly every day.


Melting point:99 °C
Density 1.0 g/cm3(Temp: 25 °C)
storage temp. Store at RT.
solubility Slowly soluble in water forming a viscous, colloidal solution, practically insoluble in ethanol.
form powder

Alginates from different species of brown seaweed vary in their chemical structure resulting in different physical properties of alginates. 
Some species yield an alginate that gives a strong gel, another a weaker gel, some may produce a cream or white alginate, while others are difficult to gel and are best used for technical applications where color does not matter.
Commercial grade alginate are extracted from giant kelp Macrocystis pyrifera, Ascophyllum nodosum, and types of Laminaria. 
Alginates are also is produced by two bacterial genera Pseudomonas and Azotobacter, which played a major role in the unravelling of its biosynthesis pathway. 

color White to Off-white
PH6.0-8.0 (10mg/mL in H2O)
Water Solubility Soluble in water. Insoluble in alcohol, chloroform and ether.
Sensitive Hygroscopic

What is E401 (Sodium alginate)?
E401 (Sodium alginate), also known as algin, is a carbohydrate product of a seaweed, Macrocystis pyrifera. 
E401 (Sodium alginate)  is used as a gel in pharmaceutical preparations. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) (E401) is extracted from brown seaweed. 

Where is E401 (Sodium alginate) found?
E401 (Sodium alginate) is a thickener found in the textile screen-printing and carpet jet-printing industry. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is also a food additive found in gel-like foods such as jam and pimento stuffing in prepared cocktail olives.

E401 (Sodium alginate) is a substance that the Food and Drug Administration has listed as generally recognized as safe. 
In production, E401 (Sodium alginate) is extracted from brown algae and is the sodium salt of alginic acid. 
E401 (Sodium alginate) is highly viscous and is often used as an emulsifier and a gelling agent. 


IUPAC NAMES:
Alginic Acid Sodium Salt
Alginic acid, sodium salt
E401 (Sodium alginate)
E401 (Sodium alginate)
E401 (Sodium alginate)

SYNONYMS: 
6-[(2-carboxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-methoxy-3-oxanyl)oxy]-4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxy-2-oxanecarboxylic acid
Alginic Acid Sodium Salt, Technical Grade
hzsn
CuringBon
E401 (Sodium alginate), AR,90%
Alginate Sodium
FEMA 2015
Alginicacidsodiumsalt,lowviscosity
E401 (Sodium alginate) (ALGINIC ACID SODIUM SALT)
ALGIN
ALGINATE SODIUM SALT
Alginic acid monosodium salt
ALGINIC ACID SODIUM SALT
ALGINIC SODIUM
SODIUMALGINATE,FCC
SODIUMALGINATE,NF
SODIUMALIGNATE
Natriumalginat
Aigin
ALGINIC ACID SODIUM SALT, 90% (LOW MOLECULAR WEIGHT)
ALGINATE SODIUM SALT NF
Alginic acid sodium salt, high viscosity
E401 (Sodium alginate) hydrate
Algin, Alginic acid sodium salt from brown algae, E401 (Sodium alginate)
alginon
Algin, E401 (Sodium alginate)
Sodium 6-(2-carboxy-4,5-dihydroxy-6-methoxyoxan-3-yl)oxy-4,5-dihydroxy-3-methoxyoxane-2-carboxylate
Alginic acid, sodium saltAlginE401 (Sodium alginate)
Soy Bean Isoflavones P.E.
Alginic acid sodium salt from brown algae,Algin, E401 (Sodium alginate)
Alginic acid, sodiuM salt 250GR
Alginic acid, sodiuM salt 500GR
Alginic acid, sodiuM salt 5GR
POLYMANNURONIC ACID SODIUM SALT
E401 (Sodium alginate)
E401 (Sodium alginate) 300-400
E401 (Sodium alginate) 500-600
E401 (Sodium alginate) 80-120
algiline
algin(polysaccharide)
alginatekmf
algiponl-1168
amnucol
antimigrantc45
cecalginetbv
cohasal-ih
daridqh
dariloidqh
duckalgin
halltex
kelcogellv
kelcosol
kelgin
kelginf
kelginhv
kelginlv
kelginxl
kelgum


 

  • Share !
E-NEWSLETTER